Town Supervisor Kate Murray detailed an alternate zone for the Nassau Coliseum property at a Monday press conference.

At Monday’s press conference, Murray emphasized that the zone is “flexible.” “This is not a take-it-or-leave-it,” she said. “We wanted to create as flexible a zone as we possibly could.”

The supervisor told reporters that Wang had not returned several of her calls, and that he had not been informed about the proposal before Monday’s announcement. The ball is now in Wang’s and the county’s court, Town Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby said.

“We met our challenge,” Goosby said. “Now it’s time for them to honor their commitment.”

Murray said that the town’s alternate zone incorporates “smart growth” principles while including a refurbished Coliseum. According to Vision Long Island, a not-for-profit that supports and advocates for local smart-growth projects, “smart growth” includes “mixed-use, mixed-income communities that are convenient, attractive, pedestrian-friendly and make affordable housing and public transportation desirable and realistic.”

Eric Alexander, executive director of Vision Long Island, called Murray’s plan a “starting point,” but explained that a successful town center in the area known as the Hub would require more density. Alexander said he was especially alarmed at the reduction in housing in the town plan — from 2,400 units in the Lighthouse proposal to 500. “Overall, the project needs to be more dense to function properly as a true town center,” he said.

Alexander noted that disagreements over infrastructure funding, traffic and density statistics and an overall lack of communication have led to this crossroads. “This is what happens when you don’t come to a consensus on a preferred plan at this point,” he said. “Hopefully cooler heads will prevail and folks will work together.”

Comments

Supervisor Murray can't see the forest from the trees. The benefits from Mr. Wang's development will be a much needed financial shot in the arm for Nassau County and it's residents. Changing some of the roads to improve the traffic flow while he's building will relieve concerns about congestion.

Thank you Supervisor Murray for helping to save trees and forests in Nassau County!! Sometimes building is not always the answer...Mr. Wang I'm sure does not live, work and drive in Nassau County, or he would know how bad the traffic is already. I do not see any reason why 1/2 the project is a problem, it will preserve the environment. People come to Long Island because its beautiful, and not a city environment, let's keep it that way.

acetyp, Mr. Wang does live,work and drive in Nassau County. To Ms, Murray if your so concerned about preserving the surburban feel of Nassau county, why don't you start with the crackdown on illegal apartments in single family dwellings. I can;t park in front of my own home anymore, Seems like I pay Nassau county taxes and have the quality of life of the city's boro's